Getting Started
What's Surfboard Volume:
Please note longboards are high volume surfboards in general, different surfboard type & style on surfing. Volume doesn't have the same impact on performance as shortboards due to the nature of longboards having less emphases on performance, less sensitivity to the riders weight. This means most longboards will have more than enough volume to float the surfer & volume is more important for getting the intended feeling right.
Volume is the amount of area (In litres) contained in a surfboard, calculated by its overall length, width, thickness & foil. Volume is a benefit of computer-assisted shaping.
Volume is the first measurement to look at when choosing what surfboard size to buy. It's the starting point once a Longboard type / model has been decided on. It's an important measurement when choosing a surfboard size as it will eliminate the wrong size boards immediately. For more experienced longboarders it is used in context with the other dimensions to create an accurate overall picture of the longboards suitability. Volume is found in the dimensions options for each surfboard model i.e. 9'0" x 20 3/4" x 2 1/2" - 64.50 ltrs.
Use volume in collaboration with the Longboard type, dimensions & features to give you a very accurate picture of the Longboards performance characteristics.
Click How to choose the right surfboard for more information on this topic.
Low Volume Surfboards:
Meaning a lower volume than your ideal volume range, this is different for each surfer. Low volume is relative to each surfer's weight & surfing ability.
They're more sensitive to the rider's movements & requires an advanced surfer to master. These surfboards need extra effort to generate speed as they sink deeper into the wave face creating extra drag & increases the chance of catching a rail.
The positive trade-off is a highly sensitive rail with more power over the surfboard. Meaning the ability to hold turns in critical parts of the wave, more control in powerful waves.
There is a fine line between a low volume board & an under volume surfboard. The drawbacks of an under volume surfboard are; hard to paddle, unstable & sluggish board speed. It's better to have an over volume surfboard than an under volume surfboard. If unsure of the correct volume always go the bigger dimensions, as you can refine your volume on the next surfboard. It's better than the alternative, not catching waves & having to sell your board straight away or the worst crime of sticking to it, missing out on a lot of waves & fun
High Volume Surfboards:
Meaning a higher volume than your ideal volume range, this is different for each surfer. High volume is relative to each surfer's weight & surfing ability.
They're more relaxed performance & easier to surf. All surfing levels can master a high volume surfboard. They produce more speed without much effort & are more stable. The trade-off for these benefits is a decrease in top end performance (might not be an issue). You will know if the surfboard is holding you back, that comes with experience. High volume surfboard will still have more performance than what most surfers need.
It's up to the surfer to decide what style of surfing they prefer & tailor their buying decision accordingly.
Ideal Volume for Longboards:
Volume is still relevant to Longboards as it allow the rider to get a better understanding of longboards design. Longboards in general have a lot more volume compared to shortboards & for this reason aren't as sensitive to small volume variations.
Surfing a Longboard consists of many different styles from cruising to performance surfing off the tail.
Developing a good knowledge of what longboard works for you requires experience & a good understanding of surfboard design. Volume is an important part of this process & will help you select the right surfboard for you.
Follow the below steps to get a head start, your Ideal Volume.
Calculate your Ideal Longboard Volume
Follow the steps below to calculate your ideal volume:
Step 1:
Identify your surfing level, use the descriptions below.
- Advance + Elite & strong surfers linking multiple, critical manoeuvres with excellent power, speed & control | 80% to 90%+ manoeuvre completion (average) | 9/10 realistic waves you paddle for & catch
- Advance Surfers linking multiple manoeuvres consistently with good power, speed & control | 70% to 80% manoeuvre completion | 8/10 realistic waves you paddle for & catch.
- Intermediate / Advance Surfers linking small multiple manoeuvres with less consistently, reasonable power, speed & control | 60% to 70% manoeuvre completion | 7/10 realistic waves you paddle for & catch.
- Intermediate Progressive surfers competently trimming on the wave face & developing small manoeuvres with limited consistently, power, speed & control | 50% to 60% manoeuvre completion | 6/10 realistic waves you paddle for & catch.
- Beginner First time & part time surfers performing at a basic level catching white water & small unbroken waves
Example: Advance Surfing Level
Step 2:
This Ideal Volume table will assist you with your starting volume. Match your skill level with your weight.
Longboard Buyers Guide (Ideal Volume) ltrs
| Weight (Kg) | Advance + | Advance | Inter. / Adv | Intermediate | Beginner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 & Under | 25.05 | 25.75 | 26.80 | 31.00 | 35.90 |
| 40 | 26.40 | 27.20 | 38.80 | 33.60 | 39.20 |
| 45 | 28.00 | 28.90 | 30.70 | 36.10 | 42.40 |
| 50 | 29.00 | 30.50 | 32.50 | 38.50 | 45.50 |
| 55 | 29.80 | 31.45 | 33.65 | 40.25 | 47.95 |
| 60 | 31.00 | 32.80 | 35.20 | 42.40 | 50.80 |
| 65 | 32.75 | 34.70 | 37.30 | 45.10 | 54.20 |
| 70 | 34.50 | 36.60 | 39.40 | 47.80 | 57.60 |
| 75 | 36.25 | 38.50 | 31.50 | 50.50 | 61.00 |
| 80 | 38.00 | 40.40 | 33.60 | 53.20 | 64.40 |
| 85 | 39.75 | 42.30 | 45.70 | 55.90 | 67.80 |
| 90 | 41.50 | 44.20 | 47.80 | 58.60 | 71.20 |
| 95 | 43.25 | 46.10 | 49.90 | 61.30 | 74.60 |
| 100 | 45.00 | 48.00 | 52.00 | 64.00 | 78.00 |
| 105 | 46.75 | 49.90 | 54.10 | 66.70 | 81.40 |
| 110 | 48.50 | 51.80 | 56.20 | 69.40 | 84.80 |
Example: 82kg + Advance surfing level = 41 ltrs
Step 3:
Using your Ideal Volume figure from the table, multiple it by the appropriate age Factor.
| Age | Factor |
|---|---|
| 0 - 30 | Add 0% (0.00) |
| 31 - 50 | Add 10% (1.10) |
| 51 - 60 | Add 20% (1.20) |
| 61+ | Add 30% (1.30) |
Example: Age under 31. 41 x 0.0 (0%) = 41 ltrs - Ideal Volume stays at 41 ltrs
Step 4:
Using your Ideal Volume Figure, multiple it by the appropriate fitness factor.
Fitness (Averaged out over a month)
| Fitness | Factor |
|---|---|
| Excellent - Surfing 4 times per week or other training 4 times per week | Add 0% (0.00) |
| Good - Surfing 3 times per week or other training 3 times per week | Add 5% (1.10) |
| Average - Surfing 2 times per week or other training 2 times per week | Add 10% (1.20) |
| Poor - Surfing 1 times per week or other training 1 times per week | Add 30% (1.30) |
Example: Fitness Good - 41 x 1.10 = 45.10 ltrs
Step 5:
Use your Ideal Volume figure, multiple it by the Style factor
| Style / Longboard Type | Factor |
|---|---|
| Mid length Boards | Add 0% (0.00) |
| Performance Surfing | Add 30% (1.30) |
| Balanced Surfing | Add 50% (1.50) |
| Cruising / Traditional | Add 70% (1.70) |
Click for more info on Longboard Types. This final figure can now be converted into a meaningful Ideal Longboard Volume Range.
- Mid Length Board Volume Range: Within 10% of your Ideal Volume
- Performance Longboard Volume Range: Within 10% of your Ideal Volume
- Balanced Longboard Volume Range: Within 10% of your Ideal Volume
- Cruising / Traditional Longboard Volume Range: Within 10% of your Ideal Volume
The above volume range is based off what the experienced longboarder's are following & the shapers are suggesting. This Ideal Volume range should give you a very accurate starting point to develop a more personalised formula.
Example:
- Performance Board Volume Range: 40.59 to 49.61 ltrs (Starting Volume 45.10 ltrs)
- Performance Longboard Volume Range: 52.77 to 64.49 (Starting Volume 58.63 ltrs)
- Balanced Longboard Volume Range: 60.88 to 74.41 (Starting Volume 67.65 ltrs)
- Cruising / Traditional Longboard Volume Range: 69.00 to 84.33 ltrs (Starting volume 76.67 ltrs)
Step 6:
Personalising your Ideal Longboard Volume
The final Ideal Volume range will give you a great starting point to begin your personal board formula.
Everyone has a different body size (Weight & Height) & surfing ability so using your ideal volume is a great way to build a personal formula for choosing great boards.
Obviously riding Longboards is more subjective & open to the riders preference.
Your Ideal Longboard Volume can only be judged by yourself & your personal preferences.
Use your Ideal Longboard Volume in collaboration with Longboard Type, dimensions, features for the best results.
